catch (one's) breath
To rest so as to be able to continue an activity

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

catch breath
catch (your) breath
1.
to stop breathing for a moment because something surprises or frightens you.
I caught my breath when I saw the scar on her face.

2.
to rest for a moment after doing physical exercise and wait until you can breath regularly again.
She stopped to catch her breath at the top of the hill.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

catch one's breath
1. return to normal breathing after breathing very hard
I stopped at the top of the stairs to catch my breath.

2. to stop to rest and regain one's normal breathing
After running from the station it took a moment to catch my breath.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

catch one's breath
v. phr.
1. To breathe in suddenly with fear or surprise.
The beauty of the scene made him catch his breath.
Compare: TAKE ONE'S BREATH AWAY.
2a. To rest and get back your normal breathing, as after running.
After running to the bus stop, we sat down to catch our breath.
2b. To relax for a moment after any work.
After the day's work we sat down over coffee to catch our breath.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲